Fil-Am (2026)

The proof-of-concept short film comes from writer/director Ralph Torrefranca’s feature script “FIL-AM” which was selected by Gold House's Gold Pitch at Toronto International Film Festival and was most recently in the 2nd Round of the Sundance Labs.

“FIL-AM” stars Deuce Basco, Emerson Basco, Madeleine Humphries, Darion Basco and Hunter Stiebel.

LOGLINE

“In 2003, a 16-year-old Filipino kid from the inner city is forced to leave his old life behind for the terrifying new world of Santa Barbara, California.”‍ ‍

Jonah’s world is equally dangerous as everyday life in the inner city. He’s a hustler, brother, and son in a Filipino American family, but his world comes crumbling down when his mom and new stepdad break the news that they are moving, and Jonah needs to face the harsh reality of what it really means to be “American”.

FIL-AM was shot on location in the Bay Area, on the same streets that inspired writer/director Ralph Torrefranca’s story about 2nd generation dual identity and our complex relationships to being “American” enough.

director BIO

Ralph Torrefranca is a Filipino American award-winning writer, director and musician based in Los Angeles.

With roots in the Bay Area, Santa Barbara, The Netherlands and even Germany; Filipino-American filmmaker Ralph Torrefranca has a unique upbringing under his belt when it comes to storytelling.

Most recently his short film "Fil-Am" was selected to premiere at SBIFF. His past short Champagne Social premiered at The 2019 IFS Film Festival in LA where Ralph was named “Best Director” at the fest. His feature screenplay “RIFF” made the Top 20% of the Academy Nicholl Fellowship in 2021. Most recently his feature "Fil-Am" was selected by Goldhouse for their Goldpitch program at Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. "Fil-Am" was also in the 2nd round of the Sundance Development Track.

Ralph is also an accomplished musician, most known as the lead singer/guitarist of the national touring post-punk band Cuffed Up (KEXP, KCRW) who were SXSW Official Artists in 2022 and 2024. He has directed numerous music videos for the band including lead singles “Finer Things”, “Bonnie” and “Mock Dance”.

With much of his childhood summers watching films at his local, Ralph was eventually given a Mini DV Sony Handycam and spent much of his early years filming DIY music videos and short films. Over the summer of his Sophomore year of High School, an intro to film class taught by Santa Barbara International Film Festival founder Roger Durling left a long lasting impression on 15 year old Ralph and subsequently his ongoing love for cinema.

With more than 19 years in the entertainment industry, Ralph has worked in Film, TV Production and Music.